Her poems, most of which dealt with either her strong religious faith or her experiences as a person with a disability, were widely praised for their rigorous formality, clarity, and emotional impact.
Her poems have been published in hundreds of periodicals and more than 50 anthologies, including Spanish translations in Latin American journals.
Reflecting on the qualities that make the work of only a few artists survive, Mr. McMurtry wrote of Vassar Miller and her poetry: “It’s easy to point out her clarity, her precision, her intelligence, her honesty.
An outspoken advocate for the rights and dignity of the handicapped, Miller also edited a collection of poetry and short stories about persons with disabilities titled Despite This Flesh.
In addition to her writing and teaching, Ms. Miller was involved in civic work and in 1989 the Young Women's Christian Association named her an Outstanding Woman of Houston.